The Grand Canyon is on many travelers must-visit list. Determining the best place to stay depends on what you want out of your trip. If you’re hoping for a resort experience where you can take advantage of hotel amenities in between hiking scenic trails, lodging just outside the park at Squire Resort is worth investigating.
Located in Tusayan, the closest town to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Squire Resort is part of the Best Western Hotels & Resorts BW Signature Collection. It’s about two miles from the property to the Grand Canyon National Park entrance.
The resort features 322 rooms spread throughout more than a half-dozen, one-, two- and three-story buildings. Some buildings are motel style where guests can park in front of the entrance to the room, whereas other rooms are located in traditional hotel buildings with interior hallways.
I stayed in a Premium Room with two queen beds on the third floor of the 7000 building. The recently renovated room overlooked the outdoor pool and lawn area. It was spacious and comfortable, but overall very dark in regards to design and decor.
The room included a small refrigerator, microwave oven, and Keurig coffee machine. (Electric tea kettles are not available.) While shower toiletries are provided in large, refillable containers, it was disappointing to see multiple single use cups wrapped in plastic, and body lotion provided in single-use plastic bottles.
The bathroom featured a large vanity with single sink, walk-in shower, and toilet. An additional sink was located in the guestroom’s main living space. Though I was traveling alone, it was obvious the pair of sinks strategically placed in two different locations within in the room would be handy for a traveling family, or in an instance when multiple guests are traveling together.
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Family-Friendly Amenities
Though its proximity to Grand Canyon National Park is noteworthy, it’s Squire Resort’s amenities that make it stand out among competitors. In addition to an outdoor pool, hot tub, and kiddie splash pad, there’s an indoor pool and hot tub.
Ping pong tables, corn hole, and a variety of backyard games are scattered atop a grassy stretch in the property’s courtyard. Just below the lobby, there’s a five-lane bowling alley and arcade. Those not getting enough steps in when exploring the Grand Canyon, can make use of the fitness center. S’mores are a nightly occurrence at fire pits steps from the hotel entrance.
Dining at Squire Resort
Open nightly for dinner, Desert Grill + Lounge is the resort’s signature restaurant. Menu selections might include Pork Belly Burnt Ends with brown sugar vinegar sauce and coleslaw, a Fry Bread Taco with pinto beans, cabbage, pico de gallo, cheddar cheese and crema, or a Beef Short Rib with aged cheddar popcorn grits, braised greens, and preserved sour cherry. Spirits enthusiasts will appreciate creative cocktail options like a Prickly Pear Martini.
Squire Pub + Social offers a more casual dining experience with dishes the likes of Frito Pie, Chicken Wings, and Fish & Chips. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the Double Chocolate Skillet Cookie with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce, is tasty.
Canyon Room is the go-to for breakfast. Choose from a breakfast buffet that includes fruit, cereal, pastries, and hot offerings such as pancakes, scrambled eggs, and country potatoes, or order from the a la carte menu. Choices range from Ribeye Steak & Eggs, to Steel Cut Oatmeal, and Buttermilk Pancakes.
Good to Know
It’s about an 80-mile drive to the closest airport, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. But do some research, as it might be worth making the 216-mile drive to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as it tends to offer better connections and more robust flight offerings.
The starting rate for a Deluxe Room at Squire Resort is $279. Be sure to budget accordingly for the $25 daily amenity fee which covers a list of things including Wi-Fi, use of the pools, fitness center, and guest laundry facilities. The hotel has meeting space and a business center if needs arise.
Check the latest rates for the Squire Resort online at Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Squire Resort offers dog-friendly rooms. (Leashed pets are allowed on trails above the rim at Grand Canyon National Park.) There is a nightly fee of $35; pet-friendly amenities include crates, food and water bowls, and treats.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Squire Resort, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
